A new Gallup poll shows that a record 64 percent rate the honesty and ethics of Congress as “low” over “very low” – putting them in the same category as lobbyists, telemarketers and car salespeople.
According to Gallup that 64 percent figure ties the record high for these professional integrity polls that were launched by the polling organization in 1976.
In this year’s update, from a Nov. 28-Dec. 1 Gallup survey, Americans rate the honesty and ethical standards of three medical professions — nurses, pharmacists, and doctors – as the highest of the 21 professions tested. While Congress’ ratings are in the Dumpster, several professions scored at their highest level ever in the polls, including accountants and real estate agents.
But, by any measure, Americans’ views of Congress are as poor as they have ever been, in part due to the poor economy, the near-default on the U.S. debt payments, and the failure of the “supercommittee” to reach agreement on deficit reduction.
It’s also worth noting that journalists, routinely maligned by the public, the politicians and the public, are not so disparaged after all. At least we rate a spot in the middle of the pack.
Here are the full results:
